Purpose

This bill provides funding from the state general fund to support student mental health by awarding grants to organizations that work with elementary and secondary school students.

Main provisions

• Grant program: The Department of Education’s commissioner must award grants to organizations that serve elementary or secondary students and help them improve mental health.
• Activities funded: Programs must create opportunities for students to disconnect from electronic devices and social media, be physically active, participate in collaborative experiences, and form in-person relationships with other students.
• Outcome requirement: Grant recipients must demonstrate that their programs improve mental health outcomes for students.
• Administration: The commissioner of education is responsible for awarding these grants to eligible organizations.
• Funding term: This is a one-time appropriation and the funds are available until June 30, 2029.

Financial and implementation details

• Source of funds: General fund.
• Timing: Available for the designated fiscal year and remaining period until 2029, as a one-time allocation.

Significance and changes to existing law

• Creates a targeted, one-time funding stream specifically for student mental health grants to organizations, emphasizing activities that reduce screen time, promote physical activity, and foster in-person social connections to support mental health outcomes in students.

How success is measured

• Programs must show evidence that they improve mental health outcomes for elementary and secondary students.

Relevant Terms - student mental health grants - Department of Education - general fund - one-time appropriation - available until June 30, 2029 - elementary school students - secondary school students - disconnect from electronic devices - social media - physically active - collaborative experiences - in-person relationships - mental health outcomes - grant applicant - commissioner of education - organizations